Grandpa’s Christmas Message 2008

I was hoping to write a Christmas newsletter this year like many of the ones that I've received this year from family and friends. But time was getting away from me. So it was suggested that I put it on the blog. Suzie's teaching me more about them. What amazing times we live in.

This Christmas Season my thoughts have been on the birth of our Savior but tonight they have turn once again to my children, grandchildren and great grand’s as I sit writing Christmas cards to each of you. I want you all to know of my love for you, and I have a deep joy as I have reflected on the blessing that each of you have embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, and are teaching it to your own children.

In our entrance hangs a gift that Jenny my grand daughter gave Mary Louise one Christmas. It reads “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 1:4)

Mary Louise loved that scripture, and I have come to see why. As all earthy “things and objects in our lives seem to loss there value and we come to the end of our lives, the thing that surpasses the value of gold and gems or any earthly riches is family. My great treasure is each of you my family and the joy you bring to my life. A phone call, a letter, time for a thoughtful visit means brightens life.

While addressing my Christmas cards a verse on one of the Christmas Cards struck me. It read, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” (1 John - Chapter 3 )

And if you read the next verse it says, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
I love learn more and more about the gospel and pray that my mind can retain it as I lesson to the scripture types each night. I love the Lord and pray his blessing on each of you.

The scriptures mean more to me now than any other time in my life, and daily scripture study will help us all know and live the gospel better. My sweetheart Mary Louise was a great example of that to me. She was always seeking out of the best books, knowledge even hidden treasures. I miss her and look forward to the blessing of being reunited with her and other loved ones once again.

For now I like you I get to repent daily, serve others, embrace the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ, follow the prophets, be more patient,loving and kind and endure to the end.

Across the miles I send this wish and my love to you and your family. May you have a Merry Christmas, and may the truth of God’s everlasting love, bring you all Joy this Christmas time and the whole year through.

Love, Grandpa Lindman

Mr. Handyman to the Rescue

Household maintenance and repair have been a big part of Grandpa’s life and continues to be this month. From him being industrious by finding a way to get all the fall leaves all gathered and bagged, ready for Karen Perkins his neighbor.

She has been requesting them for years so she can make compost for her garden just like her father taught her. To the more difficult tasks of finding a way to repairing the kitchen faucet and dish washer. He sticks to a task until he has figured it out. No matter how long it takes.

During this month after calling the good old “Sears Company” for repairs on the dish washer, he as given the run around. He was advised to call back once the part was delivered to his house. So he did, and there response was not what he thought it would be. When he reported that the part had arrived as asked when they would be coming, he was greeted with” we are very busy it will be about another week or so before they could get there.

So Grandpa decided that he would call the best plumber there is (Himself) to get the job done) Next thing he was talking thought the steps it would take to complete the project.

When asked if he wanted some assistance, he said “ No thanks I can handle it” A few days latter at spending weeks trying to work through a fixing software on the computer we offer to take his system it to have it looked over.

It showed that although a bit old the system worked great. And all the systems checked out. So it was discussed that it was a software issue. Michael went over to assist him with one of the bigger issues and that was to get his quicken software on his computer working right. Grandpa is good to enter all experiences and to keep track of all his house hold experiences on a daily bases.

Some of the old problems persisted even after the new software was installed so when John is grandson arrived home from a trip he and his wife went over and got it up and running. Grandpa was thrilled and expressed his gratitude over and over. What amazing patience skills and know how Grandpa has, and he works through just about any difficulty that comforts him.

When the Sears repairman arrived days later and looked at the dishwasher and job that Grandpa did he inquired " Do ya want to come to work for me?" And Grandpa responded "Thanks for offer, but no thanks!"

A Great Performace

Jaden Apart of Beauty And The Beast Cast

On Oct 24th Grandpa Lindman attended a performance at Taylorsvilles High School. It was the musical Beauty and the Beast presented my the Taylorsville High performing arts department.

The special part about this musical was knowing that his 7 year old great grandson Jaden was playing the starring roll of chip, the tea cup. Jaden has been going over to the High School that past 4 or 5 weeks and practicing with the cast after having been chosen for the part. Plus a fun bonus that night was the fact that Eric his father was filling in as the drummer for the school orchestra at the request of his father, who is the conductor.

This was fun for Grandpa because he to was apart of school plays while attending South High School is senior year. He and Grandma would talked about that experience on occasion, when Grandma purshased a record of the musical play on Broadway.

He commented that this play was how ever much for completed than anything that was preformed in those days. Grandpa took a front row seat by Jaycee and the production began. It became a magical world filled with talking furniture, not to mention horrible beast and wolfs that climbed up the sides of the walls near the stage. The stage sets where moved of an on the stage transforming the stage from a village to forest to castle in wonderful creative way.

All ends well... you know one of those happily ever after fairly tales. The beast becomes a prince again, falls in love with Bell, the castle and everyone transforms back,including Jaden who transforms from a tea cup to a real boy once again. It was a wonderful event! And we all loved it ! Great job Jaden!

If Grandpa knows how to do something he will do a great job but on the other hand if he doesn’t he will figure it out, or invent a way to do it. And this is one of his most amazing talents. This month the basement toilet started to leak, and so Grandpa was on the task. Slow at time but sure he says. He removed the toilet to fix the uneven flooring that seemed to be cause the problem. He rigged up some kind of skate board like to help move the toilet to another location, then went to the store to get some type of cement floor filler.

It's mixed with Kamber helps. She is a good sport when it comes to helping out. This time she became the transport system to the basement, by hauling the buckets downstairs to the bathroom. Then and Grandpa got down and smoothed out the surface, let it dry then reinstated the toilet. Well as of today the toilet is reinstalled and seems to be working great. Last I heard anyway! Sounds like Kamber is having a great time attending school and during here free time she is learning about the the home improvement business as well.

Way to go Kamber!

Jared Birthday Party

Julie and Eric Jensen had their third child September 26^th and they named him Jared William Jensen he weighed 7lbs 31/2 oz and was 20 inches long. Jared was Grandpa Lindman’s 60^th grandchild at the time, and now the family is still growing even faster. His birth was pretty special in that he was invited to the birthing center just moments after Jared was born, and he got to hold him.

There was a wonderful and special spirit in that room the day that he was born… and all who were there felt blessed to be there.

Heaven just seems to be close at those kinds of moments, and we could all tell that heaven felt special about little Jared. From that day until now Jared knows who Grandpa Lindman is,and isn’t shy at all about greeting him when he comes for Sunday dinner.

Well it’s hard to believe that all the great grands are growing so fast and Jared is no exception. He is now Jared turned 2 years old and family gathered to celebrate his day and of course Grandpa Lindman and his dogs came as well.

It was great fun with hats and funny glasses to boot as well as a fun train birthday cake.

Update on Carolyn Eva Hanosek

Felicia shared the details of Carolyns birth...
she was named after her grandmother Carol because of the events that took place.

"She decided to make her appearance very quickly so I didn't get to have the relaxing water-birth I was planning.

After 3 (mammoth) contractions she was born. Grandma (who had just arrived
from out of town that afternoon) caught her before she hit the bathroom
floor. Dad got home from work 10 minutes after she was born. Then we opened the emergency birth kit and tried to have everybody find the cord-cutting kit.

What we learned.
1. Keep emergency birth kit in the house, not in detached garage.

2. Do not have lids sealed on emergency birth kit. Gamma lid would have
worked better.

3. Make sure that Dad (or other helper) reads through instructions before
the birth.

4. The cord cutting kit is small and easily hidden.

5. Firemen gag when they see afterbirth.

Carolyn is beautiful and we are happy she is here."

Norah Mae Brown

Olivia Kaye Ballard

The Lindman Family Just Keeps Growing

Three new great granddaughters were born this month and share something in common with their great grandfather, September birthdays. The news of their safe arrives was wonderful and you could tell that it was one of those sunshiny moments of life. Grandpa was smiled from ear to ear, and you could tell that his heart was filled with joy, wonder, and gratitude.

"Mothers in this family are wonderful , and appreciate their willingness to teach good values, and gospel principles to their families." Grandpa says often.

The first news of a birth this month came from his daughter Carol when she called on September 9^th to share the exciting news about the birth of her newest granddaughter. She had gone to Felicia’s to help out with the family and had no idea when she arrived that she would be helping with the birth of a baby as well. Carol was asleep in the early morning hours when she was wakened by a couple of her grand children who had heard Felicia calling her. Carol was sleeping on the couch with ear phones on to help her sleep. And boy did they help her sleep great. Once awakened Carol dashed to Felicia side… and a beautiful baby girl was born moments later. More to come on this adventure.

Later he was told by Kamber that Kristine and Michael Ballard had another sweet little girl born Sept. 19, 2008 at 1:49 pm 8 lbs. 4 ozs 19 1/2 inches. She was named Olivia Kaye Ballard and all the kids love her. And Kristine is really lucky to have a great husband who is willing to taking a few weeks leave from work to help our around the house when mother and baby adjust. Michael e-mailed photos to Aunt Suzanne who shared them with a very anxious Great grandpa.

On September 22, at 7:57 pm. another girl was born weighing 6 lbs. 8 oz and was 19 inches long. Lauren and Joseph Brown had a sweet little bundle joy join their family and they named her, Norah Mae Brown. Norah is the 74^th great grandchild to join the Lindman family.When Grandpa learned of the news he called to share it with Aunt Suzanne. Knowing that they had a blog, she went to see if information or photo had been posted. Sure enough one photo was there of Norah so she printed it off for Grandpa Lindman.

When he came for Sunday dinner she gave it to him. When he looked at her sweet photo all he could do was laugh with delight as he admired the sweet little face on the paper. I

n celebration of these new births Grand Lindman said, “Congratulations to you all! I pray the lords blessing to be with you. I love you all.”

Grandpa's Birthday Luncheon at Olive Garden

Sweet Tomatoes Birthday

Happy 87th Birthday

Today started out special when Grandpa received many phone calls for family and friends and it was a height of his week. Then in the evening a birthday Celebration was arranged by Suzanne, and all family that could met at Sweet Tomatoes a good times place. Attending were Suzanne, Michael Kamber, and Julie and Eric and all the kids or what Grandpa calls “the bosses”. Jaden, Joslynn, Jaycee and Joslynn were thrilled to be apart of the birthday celebration and gave lots of hugs and loves.Birthdays have a magic about them and kids all to the fun.

Grandpa seemed very pleased and happy to be with family, and be of course the center of attention. While his are simple and he's somewhat shy, he like the rest of us likes to feel important, and loved.

While going through the food lines or sitting at the table he loves to make people smile and laugh, and he often jokes to get that added smile from strangers and family. Grandpa told just about everyone we saw it was his birthday and when they asked his age he would say78, and then laugh one of his cute kinds of laughs, and say “I’m kidding you! just turn the numbers around to 87." One women told him that she thought he was much younger and of course that made him smile. Once we seated Kamber handed him a greeting from Diane and Reynold that she had printed out. He was excited to read. So as everyone was eating Dad read it out loud for all to here until the levels of noise in the restaurant got very loud, dinner being one of there busiest times.

Although he said he wasn’t hungry he really seemed to enjoy all the variety of foods especially the sour dough bread and the hot beef chili. After he ate a bit he decided to head out to check on the girls that were waiting in the car. Grandpa is one that likes to take care of people, animals and those that are unfortunate. And the Dogs seem to keep him going. After checking on things in the car he returned and could eat a bit more.

After dinner he and Kamber headed home for the night. It was a great day, and all the love and thoughtfulness shown gave an added lift.

Mr. Plumber

This last week there was quite an adventure at the Lindman household and it started last weekend as the faucet in the kitchen leek seem to increase last Sunday. Grandpa knew that something need to be done but he didn’t’ want to buy parts on Sunday and so he had to go out on Monday.

Upon closer examination it occurred that faucet handle had broken parts inside, so that why Grandpa decided to run to the home depot to get parts and when he couldn’t get new parts he decided to get a new handle but he couldn’t get it to work or any new parts. After several trips to the store, and living make shift by using the outdoor water to flush toilets and for other needs as well as bathing at the friends homes. Grandpa persisted in figuring out the problem. He has an amazing understanding of the working systems of piles and plumbing.

Michael and Kamber became his assistants on this project. Kamber was especially helpful and she was especially excited when the problems when the kitchen plumbing had been solved.

There aren’t too many 86 years old that would find a way to get down back to work through a plumbing problem underneath the sink. But Grandpa did, with much patience and perseverance. Little by little, step at a time he working through it unwilling to give up or give in.

And without the cost of a service call or parts from an outside plumber to do something that he has the skill and the know how to do. Everything is up and running again and Kamber is especially glad to have the toilets and showers working again, not to mention running water in the kitchen. Grandpa mentioned that he sometimes gets mad at himself because he is unable to do things as speedy he did early in life. But then added,” I just do what I can do!”

Grandpa replied today, “It’s wonderful to have water again, and the new faucet is working great!” While chatting together we both laughed as we realizing that much of Grandpa younger years growing his family were void of modern conveniences. In fact it wasn’t until he was older that they even had plumbing. I said “Dad that’s why not having running water for a while doesn’t bother you, because you learned to live without before.” He laughed in agreement. I’m personally inspired by Grandpa and his attitude towards life. What a blessing to have him apart of our lives.

Ripples On The Pond , A Sweet Memory

Ripples on the Pond was printed several years ago for family members by Aunt Suzanne. Now a special DVD was completed for fathers day,based the words from the poem Ripples on the Pond the poem that was written for the book, of the same title based on Wilford's childhood experiences, as well as the special memories of his Mormor, "grandmother" and their walks where they would watch the peddles skip across the water .

Wiford's memories of his Mormor and Mother hold a special place in his heart.His father wasn't home much in his growing up years, and was always traveling and hoping to find any job he could to support the family, so they didn't have as close of relationship with him.

The women in Wilford's life had a special influence is still felt in his life, and can be see as he makes visit to the cemetery where it says he takes moment to reflect in apperication for his parents and grandmother. With time the memories get sweeter and his love keeps growing.

Wilford said that he especially takes the time to thanks his mother for his "belly button,Because Without her he would not be" he says.

Along with the words of Sandra Crowther's poem, Ryan Olson composed and preformed an original score that was inspired by the poem. And together along photos of Grandpa's life, it became was finally completed.

The Webb Family visits

Carol and Norriss arrived on the 13th of Aug and other family members followed. Victoria Webb came with Mary Lou Norriss sister and Liz drove with her older kids, and stated and Aarons for a few days. All came to attend Education Week and see Dan and Rebecca Webb and their son Elijah perform in the stage production entitled With Mine Own Hand. NEW BOOK OF MORMON MUSICAL DRAMA SLATED TO PLAY AT BYU-PROVO DURING 2008 CAMPUS EDUCATION WEEK

A Lindman Family dinner was planned and hosted at Aarons and Shannon’s house Saturday afternoon Aug ,and all the family members in Utah area got together at Aarons Browns house for a pot luck dinner and swimming party.

Grandpa and Kamber traveled to Aaron with Suzanne and Michael, and they had a great visit on the way, besides enjoying the company of the two dogs. Ginger had a hard time staying seated but with a few words from Grandpa she kept laying down.

Other family members came as they could. It was great fun to be together and it was great to see cousins who hadn't seen each other for years have a great time visiting, and neat some of the newest members of the family.

Aarons son Sack always like to keep track of Grandpa Lindman and discovered his photo number and likes to call him.

Tuesday Aug 19th All the family headed to the musical in Provo. Grandpa and Kamber traveled down with Michael and Suzanne and their two grandchildren Jaycee and Jaden Jensen. It was fun to be on campus. Dan did a wonderful job playing an angel from the presences of god, on the other hand Rebecca plays LAMAN wife, and little Elijah plays Baby Jesus. Check out some great photo on their blog page. http://danwebbfamily.blogspot.com


With Mine Own Hand.

President Ezra Taft Benson, was quoted in the Ensign, Nov. 1988 saying
"I have a vision of artists putting into film, drama, literature, music, and paintings
great themes and great characters from the Book of Mormon."
So the musical drama "With Mine Own Hand: The Musical Account of Nephi" was written and will made its Utah debut on the Pardoe stage of the Harris Fine Arts Center August 19th-22nd. Originating in the Pacific Northwest, with a cast from Southwest Washington and metropolitan Portland, Oregon, the show will be the first production coming from out-of-state to perform during Campus Education Week.

For music and video samples, show information, cast/creator bios, or to purchase a CD go to: www.nephi-story.com

Special note
Rebbecca reported that even little Mckay got into the spirit of things, and was effected by his parents being apart of the cast. “ I didn't realize how much McKay has been absorbing the music and dance to this Nephi play until recently when I had the CD on (he calls it "the dance music") and he started not only singing all the WORDS to the songs but also incorporating many of the CHOREOGRAPHY MOVES at the end (last video)--and in time with the music! I'm such a PROUD mama! (This is "The Book, The Gift"--first scene of the play)” for other great photos go to their blog page at http://danwebbfamily.blogspot.com/

Kamber Brown comes to Stay

Grandpa started getting ready for Kamber Brown to alive a few days before she arrived. She willing be living at Grandpa Lindmans while attending Beauty College located were the Old Cottonwood Mall was located.

She was the frist great grandchild born into the Lindman family to the first grand child Eric Brown and his wife Julie. She came with her parents to visit Grandma and Grandpa Lindman while Eric was attending BYU in Provo, but after they moved the visits have been less frequent because of distances. Kamber has always wanted to work with hair design, and was excited to be attending the Paul Mitchell school of Cosmetology located at1969 E. Murray Holladay Rd.

There are currently 45 students enrolled in the Paul Mitchell-The School (Holiday, Utah). The Brown family drove to Salt Lake to get Kamber set up for schooling all her siblings were sad to leave her behind I'm sure.

Watching Kamber you can see she is a great sister. When asked if she's home sick she said that she love to call and writes home her siblings keeping to touch with her family. And they are snail mail letters, and I'm sure well received by all. Kambers great to always pitch in and help Grandpa Lindman around the old home stead.

Shortly after she arrived Vivian and Russell and their children stopped by to visit Grandpa. It was great of them to being dinner and everyone ate outside on the picnic table. They enjoyed visiting with Kamber While visiting Grandpa noticed that Vivian's little baby reminded him of Ben Brown when he was baby years ago.

During their visit Grandpa was excited to discovered that Russell and Kamber can play the piano and he really enjoy hearing it. One of her concerns was the house hold washer and dryer and how they work. It operates in a very different way compared to newer models, so Grandpa showed Kamber to operate it.

It will be a positive experience and will be nice she and Grandpa Lindman to get to know each other better.

Kamber Brown

Grandpa started getting ready for Kamber Brown

New House Guest

August 4th Grandpa started getting ready for Kamber Brown to move in by cleaning up the basement bedroom. Then he mowed the lawn then cleaned out branches from the trees so that his neighbor Brother Wheelwright could park his trailer in Grandpa’s field.

Reflecting today Grandpa talked about his own father Axel and the time that he would stopped in and visited him. “I’d ask Dad how he was doing, and he’d always said I’m doing pretty good. Despite how he was feeling, that’s how he’d answer me. I know now some of what he must have been experiencing and I have a greater compassion. I wish I knew more about him as a person and had spent the time to listen and ask questions. At this time in my life I appreciate my parents more than I ever have in my lifetime. I guess life gives a new insights and perspectives as we get older, and I am grateful to be here on earth another day.”

The IKEA Adventure

The 24th of July Michael and Suzanne invited Grandpa Lindman to go to the Swedish store in Draper called IKEA’s. The store is filled Swedish imports and they carry has all kinds of great things plus some wonderful Swedish meatballs and goodies. He was of course delighted. It was like a bit of home for him when be thought of the Swedish meatballs. "Swedish meatballs. A dish of seasoned pork or beef meatballs covered with a brown gravy, and spoke of how his mother and grandmother use to fix them. Swedish word for meatball (k”ttbulle) While there he spoke Swedish to everyone he met, smiling and talking and being a true “gentlemen” to all the ladies.

How-to make Swedish Meatballs

http://www.wineandfoodtube.com/tube/view/0/how-to-make-swedish-meatballs-9780/

They raved at the fact that there was still a gentlemen around. While on the elevator we all started visiting with a lady who said that she was there to have some meat balls as well and when we got to the second floor she went one way and we went another but we all ended up at the same destination the eating court. When we went to the eating court, As we all got talking it was great to get to know her.

When we got seated and Grandpa went back got her try and carried it to our table since she was all alone. She was thrilled and excited and talked about what a wonderful gentlemen he was. Her name was Sylvia Hanseen a retired nurse who had raise seven children. She was delightful and we all had a great conversation about her husband who was of Swedish descent. She had meant him as a Mormon boy and they had come to Provo were he had gone to school and worked.

Then she shared that she was from English descent and that she loved her roots as well. We laughed and joked and had a great time. Grandpa told her that she could come and take care of him and she responded that she had taken care of people all of her life and now she was wanting to have some fun and adventure. She and Suzanne exchanged addresses and phone numbers. He still asks about her and has tried to call her a few times. She was a very kind and friendly woman and he'd like to get together again.

Repairing sprinklers at the old Homestead

It’s hot July in Utah this summer and the sprinkler went on the blink in 100 degree weather. Placing the sprinklers around the yard to keep things watered has been his daily job, while he is looking for parts to fix the sprinkler box. One of the things this fixit man loves is to discovering solutions to fix things. Being a do it yourself kind of a guy he wouldn’t ever think of hiring someone to do something that he is capable of handling himself.

On July 25 Grandpa was up at 7:00 am and out working on the sprinkler box. He was digging and cleaning and clearing out the hole making room for the new sprinkler box to sit in place. And when the heat gets too much he retreats in doors for a while.

The house was built well he made sure of that. And he insulated it well so it still has no air conditioning by choice. He much prefers opening the windows and cooling down the house at night with fans. It’s better on the pocket book. After all it’s all about save pennies for a rainy day and staying out of dept like the prophet’s suggested.

When the heat cooled down Michael and Suzanne arrived to assisting in getting the hole completely dug out and the box in place before it got dark. Mike spent a few hours on his knees and back dipping out water from the sprinkler box as Grandpa stood giving some pointer and advice on the workings of the system and what he thought was the solution to the problem. Grandpa’s mind is sharp and he knows is stuff. Problem solving is one of the challenges that Grandpa loves.

Grandpa said that he would hook it up the following day and to make it a day. He was thrilled with the progress that was made but you could see that despite the pain in his hip and back he was determined to keep working and moving. He never complained but just said that he was grateful to be alive. And sure enough early in the morning before the heat of the day Grandpa was down on his hands and knees doing the wiring in the box so that the sprinklers could work again. About 12:30 or so he called Suzanne and Michael and pleased and happy when he announced that they were running.

July 28th Aaron stopped by Grandpa’s house to lend a helping hand with the sprinklers in the back part of the house. Grandpa was thrilled to see him, and to have his expert help with the celluloid valve.

And he feels that he’s getting closer to having in completed and that’s a great feeling. Yet still has some work to do but he is willing to take the time to do it., But the great thing right now is that the lawn is getting greener with each day. As Grandpa puts it" still here, and grateful to be up right."

Happy to be Alive

July 2008 Grandpa Lindman is soon approaching his 87 year maker on September 13th, and one of the joy’s of life for him at this stage is know that his family are doing well, and to get all call. So he carries his cell phone in his shirt pocket just to make sure that he doesn’t miss anyone’s call.

This last father his posterity reached the 113 maker and is going strong with a few more in the oven. And he looks forward to each new addition and loves sharing with friends and neighbors his posterity count. One day while talking with a neighbor he said that he felt a bit like Abraham of old as he watches his family grow.

The Girls

Things have slowed down a bit as his body is showing normal mileage, but as he is quick to say he still feel 16 inside. Each day is a new adventure on at the Lindman homestead. With Ginger and Jasmine his two co hearts the day can be an interesting chain of events. Since Diane and Reynold brought Jasmine as a gift she fast became the “NEW BOSS” at the house. She loves to sleep at the feet of Grandpa and does not like to have him out of her site in fact she cries at the door or gate until he returns.

Jasmine can't stand to see Grandpa leave for any amount of time. She gets so nervous when he is out of her sight. And she sits at the door or gate and waits for his return. Having such a soft heart from animals he finally decied to have her as his mission companion. She now Jasmine looks forward to going and rides shot gun in the car or, better yet takes her place in the diver’s seat on Grandpa Lindman lap.

And if anyone comes close to the car watch out she will bite off there heads to keep her master safe.